BlackRock and NACD Issue Call for Papers That Address Corporate Governance Risks and Opportunities Associated With Seven Global, Disruptive Forces

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today BlackRock BLK and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) issued a call for papers that address global governance challenges. The academic community and governance practitioners are invited to submit original papers focused on emerging issues and opportunities likely to impact boardrooms over the next decade.

Papers should focus on the potential risks and opportunities associated with seven global, disruptive forces: economic, geopolitical, competitive, technological, social/demographic, innovation, and environmental. These disruptive forces represent the strategic framework of NACD's Directorship 2020, a multi-year initiative focused on identifying the resources and performance requirements of boards over the next decade.

The second annual global competition will award the authors of the top paper a monetary prize of $5,000 and the opportunity to present the paper at the 2015 NACD Spring Forum to an audience of leading corporate directors and governance experts. For full details of how to enter, visit www.NACDonline.org/CallForPapers.

"As long-term investors with a vested interest in good corporate governance, BlackRock is pleased to partner with the NACD, directors, and the academic community to encourage research in the field," said Rich Kushel, deputy COO of BlackRock.

2013-2014 marked the inauguration of this global competition. Submissions were received from students and researchers at 37 colleges and universities in 13 countries on six continents. Papers were judged on how effectively the ideas presented could be implemented to enhance corporate governance and responsible investment practices.

The 2014-2015 competition narrows the broader focus of the previous year's topic and asks entrants to link the seven disruptive forces listed above to their potential impacts on shareholders, corporate boards, or both.

“The corporate governance landscape is evolving, creating a need for directors and governance leaders to prepare now for the challenges and opportunities the next decade will bring,” said Ken Daly, president and CEO of NACD. “The ideas fostered by this global competition will result in greater connectivity between corporate governance theories and leading practices, benefiting the entire governance community over the long-term.”

The submission process is composed of two stages: abstracts and final papers. Abstracts are due by June 1, 2014, to corporategovernance@BlackRock.com. Authors selected to submit a full paper will be notified by July 1, 2014, and final paper submissions are due by Sept. 30, 2014.

Papers must be academically and technically sound, as determined by a panel of leading academics, corporate directors, and corporate governance practitioners. As in the inaugural competition, winners will be selected based on real-world applicability in the boardroom and marketplace. To learn more about the program, visit www.NACDonline.org/CallForPapers or submit any questions to corporategovernance@BlackRock.com.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At Dec. 31, 2013, BlackRock's AUM was $4.324 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of Dec. 31, 2013, the firm had approximately 11,400 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com.

About NACD

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the recognized authority focused on advancing exemplary board leadership and establishing leading boardroom practices. Informed by more than 35 years of experience, NACD delivers insights and resources that more than 14,000 corporate director members rely upon to make sound strategic decisions and confidently confront complex business challenges. NACD provides world-class director education programs, national peer exchange forums, and proprietary research to promote director professionalism, ultimately enhancing the economic sustainability of enterprises and bolstering stakeholder confidence. Fostering collaboration among directors, investors, and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the future of board leadership. To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org. To become an NACD member, contact Kelly Dodd at kkdodd@NACDonline.org or 202-380-1891.

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